Managing statin-related side effects: should we avoid or overcome them?
Abstract
Statins have revolutionized the management of dyslipidemia and remain the first-line therapy for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Despite these advantages, concerns regarding adverse effects, particularly muscle-related symptoms, hepatotoxicity, and new-onset diabetes mellitus, often hinder adherence and compromise cardiovascular protection. This review summarizes current evidence on statin-associated adverse effects and explores strategies to optimize their management. Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the most frequently reported side effects; however, randomized controlled trials demonstrate a low true pharmacologic incidence (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Health
Cancer
Lipids
and Metabolism
Blood Pressure and Hypertension Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cardiovascular Prevention and Pharmacotherapy
- Volume
- 8
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 23–28
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Language
- EN